Lecturer in Sustainable Development

REM is one of North America’s leading interdisciplinary schools in resource and environmental management. It is an applied graduate and undergraduate school in which both social and natural scientists apply inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to resource and environmental management. Our mission is to inspire leadership and improve decision-making in environmental management through internationally recognized research, education, professional practice, and community engagement to support a socially just and ecologically sustainable world. We value diversity in ways of knowing and scientific approaches and foster a culture of inclusion and mutual appreciation and respect.

The primary obligation of the role is teaching and associated duties. Lecturers are also expected to undertake administrative and service roles. Lecturers may pursue other activities related to the scholarship of teaching and learning. A standard workload for a Lecturer is 80% teaching and 20% service. Please refer to the Simon Fraser University Faculty Association and SFU Collective Agreement (link, especially Article 35 Teaching Faculty) for more information.

We invite applications from PhD social scientists and environmental planners with demonstrated teaching experience in domains related to social, environmental, and economic policy and the theory and practice of sustainable development. Candidates for the Lecturer position must have a PhD by the employment start date; however, PhD candidates with a solid indication of imminent completion are also invited to apply.

Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing complex environmental and sustainability challenges, including social and environmental justice, collaborative and engaged approaches, and work in communities in support of sustainable development. Applicants should be able to demonstrate and instill an appreciation for translating academic learning into practical, implementable tools and recommendations, including professional development components within the curriculum (e.g., professional writing and communication, cultural humility with Indigenous communities in particular, collaborative problem-solving, project management, data visualization). Applicants should be prepared to teach students to understand the intersections between ecology, economics, and policy and why these intersections are crucial leverage points for sustainability transitions. Applicants should be an exceptional communicator of complex topics in ways that are accessible and engaging.

The successful candidate will offer a suite of 7 courses annually. Teaching will not normally be more than 3 courses per semester and will include courses at a range of levels, formats, and class sizes. Teaching responsibilities will include some mix of Sustainable Development courses:  SD 100, 281, 381, 481, 401, Resource and Environmental Management courses: REM 100, 221, 202W, 320W, 356W, 495, 644, Planning Courses: PLAN 400, 408, and other REM courses. Experience teaching online and blended courses and courses with inclusive instructional approaches is an asset. Preference will be given to candidates who can teach students with backgrounds in social and natural science and planning, who are versed in both qualitative and quantitative methods, and who demonstrate creativity and innovation in pedagogy and in classroom management.

We seek candidates espousing a collaborative and collegial spirit, who embrace challenges and uncertainty, and who find constructive ways to incorporate different perspectives. Candidates should bring an openness to, or direct experience with, non-Western scientific models of knowledge, including Indigenous science and ways of knowing. Applicants should be knowledge mobilizers to students, first and foremost, with the potential to reach other audiences and communities beyond SFU also encouraged. We seek candidates who will provide positive contributions to the department and participate in collegial governance.

The expected start date is July 15, 2027.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit:

• A Cover Letter: introduction describing interest in and suitability for the position.
• Curriculum Vitae: a comprehensive academic résumé outlining education, employment, publications, and professional activities.
• 3 Contact References: contact information for individuals who can provide references upon request.
• Personal Statement: a brief (4-6 page) statement of career vision, perspectives and philosophy on teaching, learning, and mentoring.
• Teaching portfolio: a curated set of materials (syllabi, evaluations, philosophy) demonstrating teaching effectiveness.

Please indicate whether you are legally eligible to work in Canada. Reference letters will only be requested from short-listed candidates. Applications will be considered until the position is filled, with preference being given to applications received by December 15, 2026. Please submit your application via Interfolio at the following link: https://apply.ca1.interfolio.com/124154

For inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Meg Holden at meg_holden@sfu.ca. All application materials must be submitted through Interfolio.

For more information about REM, visit our website: https://www.sfu.ca/rem.html

This position is subject to availability of funding and approval by the SFU Board of Governors.

Simon Fraser University’s School of Resource and Environmental Management respectfully and with gratitude acknowledges that we work on the shared Unceded Traditional Territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), q̓ íc̓əy̓(Katzie), qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓(Kwantlen), Qayqayt and numerous Stó:lō Nations in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey. We acknowledge and support the self-governance and rights of Indigenous nations over their lands.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is as follows (dependent on experience): $98,340 - $114,241

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details see the full Collection Notice.